compensatory damages
noun
: money awarded to a victim to make up for an injury, damage, etc.
The patient sued for compensatory damages.
Examples of compensatory damages in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jones is seeking punitive damages against the mayor as well as compensatory damages, statutory damages under the Family Leave and Medical Act and the Illinois Whistleblower Act, and attorney’s fees and costs.
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Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages against both airlines in the amount of at least $200,000.
—Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 24 Dec. 2025
According to the lawsuit, Javier Esqueda is seeking compensatory damages for malicious prosecution, the loss of income, punitive damages, as well as attorney fees.
—Dave Savini, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025
In 2022, a Connecticut jury awarded the families $965 million in compensatory damages and a judge slapped on $473 million in punitive damages.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compensatory damages
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Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages against both airlines in the amount of at least $200,000.
—Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 24 Dec. 2025
According to the lawsuit, Javier Esqueda is seeking compensatory damages for malicious prosecution, the loss of income, punitive damages, as well as attorney fees.
—Dave Savini, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025
In 2022, a Connecticut jury awarded the families $965 million in compensatory damages and a judge slapped on $473 million in punitive damages.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compensatory damages
Cite this Entry
“Compensatory damages.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compensatory%20damages. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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